Every word Hansi Flick said in his Barcelona vs Levante press conference including Pedri and Gavi updates | OneFootball

FC Barcelona lost their leadership of the La Liga table last week, as they fell to a defeat to Girona. However, the Blaugranes have the chance to get to the top of the table only after a week, as Real Madrid lost 2-1 to Osasuna last night.

To get back to the summit of the table, the Blaugranes will have to beat Levante today, on Sunday. Ahead of this game, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, Hansi Flick held his customary press conference yesterday, in which he talked about different aspects of his team.

The German coach started by talking about how two days of rest could help his team get back to its best level:

“After two losses, showing that we haven’t played at our best, it was very good to have two days off. The players seem fresher. We play at home, need to win three points, and regain confidence. When you lose, some doubts can arise. We must play as a team. Everyone is convinced about what they have to do.”

The Barcelona coach was not worried about the last two losses too much:

“That’s the staff’s task; it’s our job. The team is convinced about what we do and how we’ve won titles and matches. They are 100% committed. It’s normal to sometimes lose; everyone wants to win, and sometimes you must accept things and improve.”

Hansi Flick wanted his players to display greater leadership qualities and for communications to improve:

“As I said before, everyone is convinced about what we are doing. For me, communication is vital, and we are very open. I ask them questions; it’s my way of working and managing the team. We need leaders on the pitch, and it’s important for me that there’s communication between players and the coach. I also want players to take responsibility.”

The German coach did not look too likely to bring a change in his team’s playing style:

“We’ve talked about what needs to improve and returning to our best level. There has been an open debate, an open conversation. I think I’ve been clear, and our style is well-defined.”

The Barcelona coach was asked about the nutrition plan of Lamine Yamal, who is fasting in Ramadan, to which he replied:

“We have a clear plan for everyone. We monitor what they do, when they should eat, train… I think Lamine is the only special case in the team.”

Flick once again talked about the lack of leadership in the team:

“This is normal. If I think about Girona, the first 15-20 minutes went well, but then we lost the feeling, and although we had chances, we didn’t take them. We saw that we didn’t play with the dynamics we should have. We need leaders, and we’ve talked about that.“

“It’s important to feel and take responsibility for our objectives. When players give 100%, the quality is tremendous, but sometimes there are no clear leaders. That’s also our job, and I am convinced about my team. I’m motivated. We turn the page and must improve. The positive thing is that Pedri and Rashford are back, and Gavi is progressing.”

The German tactician provided an update on Pedri’s situation:

“Perhaps he can play some minutes. The positive thing is that he is already training with the group. He is a different kind of leader, thanks to his quality and could be one of those leaders in the future.”

Similarly, the Blaugrana trainer also talked about Gavi’s recovery:

“Step by step. It’s very important to manage him step by step. He is very involved, and with the ball, he almost always makes good decisions. He enjoys playing football, not only because of his mindset but also due to his quality. It’s something to celebrate that he’s improving, but it must be step by step. The physiotherapists and the rest of the staff are doing a great job.”

Hansi Flick ensured that the last two losses have not really affected his morale:

The German coach downplayed the impact of the elections on the team’s performances:

“This decision has been made, and it’s not my job to comment. I think it doesn’t affect the team; we are focused on our work. The President hasn’t been at the last matches, and we’ve lost… maybe that’s the reason (laughs).”

The Barcelona trainer was not too happy with his team missing penalties:

“Missing three penalties isn’t good considering our quality. We haven’t spoken to the players, but usually the ones who take them are those most confident in doing so.”

Lastly, Hansi Flick also highlighted some of the main weaknesses in his team:

“There are many aspects to address, and they keep changing. We lose too many balls, struggle to cover spaces during transitions, and defend well at the back… If we lose too many balls and are not well-positioned, we leave gaps. These are some points, but there are more. We also haven’t activated well after losing possession and haven’t taken advantage of the spaces.”

Hopefully, Hansi Flick has already worked on these issues, and the Barcelona team will display this improvement when they take on Levante in today’s game.